HISTORY
Finnuala Irwin, founder of the Irwin School of Irish Dancing, first began her dance career under the instruction of renowned teacher Ted Kavanagh in London, England. Upon immigrating to Canada in the ‘70s, Finnuala taught Irish dancing in Saskatoon for a number of years before moving West.
In 1985, Finnuala founded the Irwin School of Irish Dancing in Calgary.
Now, the Irwin School is one of Calgary’s most experienced and established schools of Irish dance. The school continues to share and promote Irish dance and culture in the city and across the world.
The dancing academy has produced many World and National championship level dancers, including two time National Solo Champion and World medalist, Ryan McCaffery. Ryan later went on to lead Riverdance, touring around the world.
Teachers of the Irwin School have also been recognized for their achievements in the Irish dancing community. In 2015, Finnuala Irwin was awarded the Gradam Award for her contribution to furthering Irish dancing in Canada.